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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.